Rolling into the second week, the All Black’s visit to Ellis Park was the headline grabber, and the game did not disappoint as rugby fans the world-over were treated to yet another All Black-Springbok classic.
Indeed for most of that first half, it was the turbo charged South Africans who were calling all the shots, with rookie midfielders Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende punching holes in the Kiwi defense, almost at will. Kriel has now scored in both games played, while de Allende was immensely powerful with the ball in hand, gaining valuable meters breaking the first tackle on many occasions.
Another outstanding performance for the men in green, was that of the relatively unknown Lood de Jager. On appearance, de Jager looks as if he was teleported from the Rolling Stones era, the same as his name sake, and even strikes a slight resemblance to Beetle Paul McCartney. However he was absolutely outstanding, a constant thorn in the flesh and a huge presence in the lineouts and more so in the loose. De Jager richly deserved to cap off the evening with a try, and nearly did so falling an inch (literally) short of the line. The absence of veteran Victor Matfield was hardly felt. It will be interesting to see what Heyneke Meyer does when he has his full complement of lock forwards to choose from.
Coach Meyer will be devastated. For the second week running, the Boks seemed to have the game well and truly there for the taking, only to let up in the last quarter. Victories against the All Blacks in the modern era are a rarity, as was the stunning win they pulled offer in the corresponding fixture last year. With tries from Full-Back Le Roux and Kriel they looked as though they had the grit between their teeth. Their backline was running wonderful angles, with the back-row trio of Brussow, Louw, and new skipper Schalk Burger being an absolute menace at the breakdown, slowing down All Black ball, and forcing many turnovers. Yet, for all that effort, they would have little to show for it and are out of contention for the Championship. Where did it go wrong? It’s hard to pinpoint, considering you’re playing the best side in the world. However, serious question marks have be drawn under their defensive play. Lima Sapoaga, on debut, was allowed to burst through to set up their first try. Then the second half saw Dane Coles pick up a short try to beat about three defenders including hapless Le Roux in the last line to score under the posts. A Hooker, no matter how fleet-footed should not be allowed to do that against a high quality international side. The biggest concern for Meyer, which was the same reason they lost to Australia, is the performance of the bench. They were immense in the scrums during both games, but seemed to lose it altogether when the front row changes were made. Hendre Pollard has been a revelation this season, but Pat Lambie has fallen well short of the mark. No doubt the Boks have one eye on the World Cup, with regular Captain Jean de Villiers expected to make a return. However, mental toughness and defensive patterns are certain areas that need to be addressed.
A hallmark of a champion side is the ability to get over the line, even when the performance on the day is not quite up to scratch. This is exactly what Richie McCaw and his men managed to conjure over a rampant Springbok side. Though they were being overwhelmed for much of the opening twenty minutes, what was most important was that they never let the opposition get too far ahead on the scoreboard. Therefore, they felt that they were always in the game. They made mistakes, drop the ball at crucial times, and did look quite shell shocked at times. However, they knew that if they remained patient, the chance would come, and it couldn’t have come at a better time than just before half time, when Sapoaga burst through from midway to release fellow Highlander Ben Smith for a vital score. The ensuing conversion saw them go in at lemons on level points.
Emerging star Kriel wrestled the initiative back for the bocks running through Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith en route to scoring. However that seemed to spark something with the All Black camp. Sam Whitelock and Malakai Fekitoa were introduced, and the team shifted gears quickly. The latter was instrumental in setting up Coles, before the mercurial McCaw pulled out a rabbit out of the hat, catching the Boks on the wrong foot with a line out ploy close to five meters out. The legality as to whether Richie is allowed to join the lineout from the Scrum Half position has been debated in some quarters. However, Referee Garces saw nothing wrong, nor did the Springboks object at the time. That proved to be the knockout blow.
On reflection, Steve Hansen will be pleased at the resolve shown by his charges. Particularly of Lima Sapoaga at first five eighth carrying his superlative Super Rug=by form into his Test outing. I still worry about his goal kicking, especially under pressure. Time will tell. Charles Piutau also is sure to have secured his spot on the plane to England with a commanding display in attack, as well as defense. I still believe there are serious question marks on some of the older ranks. Conrad Smith looked completely off the pace. Israel Dagg is nowhere near the player he was in 2011. Richie McCaw struggled earlier in the Super Rugby season, but seems to thrive on the big occasion, and any coach would be blessed to have him lead their side. It will be interesting to see who Hansen names for the clash against the Wallabies in fortnight’s time. For now, I’m sure the All Blacks will savour what was a special victory at Ellis Park in another classic game against the old foe.
This year, the All Blacks mark ten years as the world’s number one team. Their title has been undisputed during this last decade. A team that is now in transition, it will be interesting reading to see how they go in the lead up to world rugby’s showpiece event.
Over in Mendoza, it was sweet revenge for the Wallabies who avenged last year’s shock defeat with a commanding bonus-point victory over the Argentine Pumas. At the long whistle, the score read 34-9. However, it is not fair reading as to how the eighty minutes went. Going into the last quarter, the Pumas were still very much in the hunt, at 14-9 trailing their more fancied opponents by just 5 points. However, the lack of both – time playing together as a group, as well as frequent quality opposition, began to tell in the last quarter where the Wallabies just ran away with it, as the flood gates well and truly opened. Tomane, the returning Dean Mumm, Centre Kuridrani, and Adam Ashley-Cooper all crossed over for a bonus point victory that sees Australia now on level points with their Trans-Tasman rivals.
For Australia, they were put under immense pressure at scrum time, but gradually seemed to hold their own as the game progressed. This was a huge positive. When they have go forward ball, I believe the Wallabies are as good as anyone. It will be interesting see how their tight forwards hold their own when the All Blacks visit next. It is evident that Michael Chieka is yet to figure out who his best side is, also considering that he has all the previously exiled players eligible for selection. Rest assured they are sure to be a force at the World Cup.
Now with two losses on the trot, Argentina have started the year slowly. For much of the possession they held, they could not really punch any holes in the Wallaby defense, which is cause for concern. They missed the services of Hernandez, their main creative playmaker over many years. With a strong scrum, and the boot of Nicolas Sanchez, you would expect them to keep opposing sides at bay, and then pounce on the opportunity that is served up. However, the lack of experience showed. When they were still very much in the game, the kicked to touch off a penalty, only to lose their own line out deep in the 22. Big mistake to make at a vital time. Then again, close to the line, they seemed to have the numbers out wide only for Fernandez Lobbe to drop the ball. Next years’ Super Rugby tournament sees the entry of a new Argentine side based in Buenos Aires. This will help their rugby immensely, particularly when it comes to competing internationally. For now, the Pumas will have to play to their strengths and maintain a tempo for the full eighty. Unfortunately, it does not get any easier for Augustine Creevy’s men. Next up – a trip away to play a smarting Springboks outfit.
